Paul van Meekeren jr.: Going Places!

Tour Match Preview: Somerset v Pakistan

Somerset have named a strong side to face Pakistan in the three-day game that starts at the Cooper Associates County Ground tomorrow (Sunday).

The squad contains a strong spine of senior players as well as some of our most talented youngsters and the side will be skippered by Peter Trego.

Two former Academy graduates, 18 year old off spinner Dom Bess and 20 year old batsman Tim Rouse, have been rewarded for their impressive performances for the Second XI by a call up to the squad.

Ahead of the game Somerset Director of Cricket Matt Maynard said: “Both Dom and Tim have Somerset Scholarship contracts and have been doing well playing for the Second XI. Tim scored 175 against Gloucestershire earlier this week as well as performing well for his WEPL club Bath CCC and I always take note of that, so he deserves his chance in the middle order.

Dom Bess and Tim Rouse

“Dom is a real fighter and is a sort of Gareth Batty type of character. He is snappy, is at you all the time and has got some really good skills. We supported him during the winter at the Darren Lehmann Academy at Adelaide and the trip has done him a lot of good. His performances for the Seconds this year have been tremendous and he is on the radar for England Under 19s.

“These are two local lads who have come through the Academy, done well for the Seconds and now have their opportunity to play against the tourists. I know just how much our supporters love to see the local boys do well, which is such an important part of this Club.”

Somerset will also be giving a debut to new signing Paul van Meekeren, a 23 year old paceman who has played in two ODI’s for the Netherlands.

Matt said: “Paul is a player that we have been monitoring for a little while. We have trialed a few bowlers this summer but Paul has really been the standout and he got a five-fer in the Second XI game against Kent recently.

Paul van Meekeren

“Both Chris Rogers and Marcus Trescothick were playing in that game and they both spoke highly of his attributes. I got to see him at Taunton Vale earlier this week and he impressed me so he has agreed a short term contract with us until the end of the season. I know that we beat off opposition from other counties and he has got a real opportunity in this game to show what he is capable of. He is six feet four, gets good bounce and predominantly swings the ball away from the right hander. I know that Jason Kerr is excited about him as a prospect, but he still has a lot of work to do, but hopefully he will have a good career here.”

Talking about the overall make up of the squad Matt said: “We have got some experienced players in the squad like Marcus, James Hildreth, Peter Trego, Tim Groenewald and Tom Abell.”

The DOC added: “This is a real opportunity for the young players to show their capability because although there are no points at stake, there is a lot at stake in terms of representing Somerset County Cricket Club against an international touring side and the pride that goes with that.”